Large Methanol Stock Seized in Bhiwandi; FDA Launches Major Crackdown on Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s Orders

Mumbai, May 2026 : In the backdrop of the deaths of 18 people due to the consumption of toxic illicit liquor in Fugewadi, Dapodi and Hadapsar areas of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, a raid was conducted on M/s Rex International in Bhiwandi, leading to the seizure of 5,929 kilograms of methanol. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the methanol used in the liquor linked to the Pune tragedy was supplied by the same company.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that no individual or establishment endangering public health would be granted any leniency. Strict legal and judicial action will be taken against those violating the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and other relevant laws and regulations.

He said that access to safe food and medicines is a fundamental right of every citizen, and ensuring this remains the administration’s highest responsibility.

Following the deaths caused by poisonous country liquor, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a major enforcement drive. After it was established that the liquor, sold for as little as Rs 30, had been adulterated with the toxic chemical methanol, Commissioner Mundhe ordered immediate statewide action against illegal methanol stockpiles.

Leads Revealed During Police Investigation

According to the police investigation, the deceased had consumed illicit liquor at the premises of Karnalsingh Virka in Fugewadi. Virka had reportedly obtained the liquor from Yogesh Wankhede. Further investigation revealed that Wankhede sourced the liquor from Raju Prajapati of Uruli Kanchan. It was subsequently established that the methanol used in this chain of liquor supply had been procured from M/s Rex International.

5,929 Kilograms of Methanol Seized During Raid

Authorities learned that while the company’s office was located in Vashi, its warehouse was operating at Anant & Company, Gala No. 544/A, Mhatre Compound, Anjur Road, Valgaon, Bhiwandi. Acting on the Commissioner’s instructions, Drug Inspector Yogendra Pol from Thane conducted a raid at the premises.

During the inspection, company owner Arun Kumar Chaubey and the authorised person, Abhishek Arun Kumar Chaubey, were not present. Officials discovered a stock of 5,929 kilograms of methanol. However, no official records, stock registers, transaction details, or mandatory documentation relating to the purchase and sale of the toxic chemical were available.

Criminal Case Registered; Licence Cancellation Process Begins

As the required records and transaction details mandated under poisonous substances regulations were not maintained, the methanol stock was seized. A complaint has been lodged against Arun Kumar Chaubey and Abhishek Arun Kumar Chaubey at the Narpoli Police Station in Bhiwandi, and a criminal case has been registered.

Additionally, the FDA’s Thane office has issued a show-cause notice under the Poisons Act and initiated proceedings to cancel the company’s licence.

The Food and Drug Administration has appealed to citizens to actively report illegal drug sales, adulteration of medicines, misuse of poisonous chemicals, and misleading advertisements.

How to File a Complaint

Citizens who suspect poor-quality medicines or have information about illegal storage of drugs or chemicals are urged to immediately report the matter to the FDA. Complaints should include the complainant’s name, address, contact number, the exact address of the suspected establishment, and details of the concerned medicine or substance.

The FDA assured that all complaints will be verified confidentially and that prompt legal action will be taken wherever violations are found.

To make reporting easier, the FDA will soon launch a dedicated mobile application and introduce a toll-free helpline facility, according to the Joint Commissioner (Drugs).